Smuggling a ‘national disease’

Tin, who was speaking at a forum organised by the Government’s web portal, said staff shortages and outdated equipment had made it difficult for agencies to combat smugglers. However, he promised that stronger efforts would be made. Agencies investigating smugglers have dealt with 146,000 cases so far this year, collecting about VND9 trillion (US$424 million) in tax and VND500 billion ($23.8 million) in confiscated goods, according to a report from the National Steering Committee on Combating Smuggling, Commercial Fraud and Counterfeit Goods.

“We do not have enough people to fight the smugglers,” Tin said. “The staff has been spread too thin across a vast border area. There are thousands and thousands of paths and alleys smugglers can take. Most teams only have three to five members, use outdated cars and equipment.”

 

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